Vehicle Ground Load-Bearing Detection via Wheel Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the load bearing capability of a ground segment, such as using road signs, are limited in flexibility and cannot accurately capture variations under different environmental conditions, especially for non-traditional surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A control unit that imparts a motion change to a vehicle, such as a speed change or vertical position change, to determine the load bearing capability by analyzing the vehicle's response, including wheel position and friction, using sensors like wheel load sensors and accelerometers, and adjusting wheel suspension and tire pressure for accurate measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If road signs indicating maximum allowable axle road pressure are used, then the load bearing capability information is provided, but the flexibility and accuracy under different environmental conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the measurement process by selecting different motion changes (speed changes, vertical position changes) based on the detected ground segment characteristics and environmental conditions. The control unit modifies the test procedure in real-time to optimize measurement accuracy for different surfaces and conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters during measurement, including vehicle speed, suspension stiffness, and tire pressure, to optimize the excitation of the vehicle-ground system. By varying these parameters, the system can accurately characterize ground segments with different load bearing capabilities under various environmental conditions.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional road signs are used for load bearing capability indication, then the implementation is simple, but the ability to capture variations under different environmental conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle itself serves as the measurement instrument by using its own suspension system and motion characteristics to test the ground segment. The control unit automatically processes sensor data and determines load bearing capability without requiring external testing equipment or manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system can measure load bearing capability across multiple ground segment types (roads, off-road surfaces, different terrains) using the same vehicle and measurement protocol. The multi-functional approach allows a single vehicle to replace multiple specialized testing devices.
3Measurement precision
If motion changes are imparted to the vehicle for measurement, then the load bearing capability determination becomes more accurate, but the complexity of the measurement system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously receives feedback from sensors (accelerometers, wheel load sensors, suspension position sensors) and adjusts the vehicle's motion and suspension settings in real-time. This closed-loop control enables accurate measurement while automatically managing the complexity of coordinating multiple actuators and sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines multiple existing vehicle systems (suspension system, braking system, sensor suite) into an integrated measurement platform. By merging these functions, the patent reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate dedicated testing equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a control unit for determining a value indicative of a load bearing capability of a ground segment supporting a vehicle. The control unit is configured to issue a control signal to the vehicle to thereby impart a motion change of the vehicle, and receive response information from the vehicle indicative of the vehicle's response to the imparted motion change. The control unit is further configured to, based on the response information, determine a vertical position change of at least one wheel of the vehicle, and based on the determined vertical position change and the imparted motion change, determine the value indicative of the load bearing capability of the ground segment.